Nibble & Kuhn

David Schmahmann
Academy Chicago Publishers (2009)
ISBN 9780897335928
Reviewed by Victoria Gonzales for Reader Views (10/09)

 

This is a very unique and very good book.  The author, David Schmahmann, is the award winning author of “Empire Settings.”  Schmahmann has a very interesting writing style and the book is fascinating to read. The title of the book, “Nibble & Kuhn,” is the name of the firm that the characters work at; needless to say there are quite a few jokes about the firm name. Derek Dover, the main character, is a new lawyer in a corporate law firm. The story is almost monotonous when you read each detail of the lawyers’ work lives, but each detail is well crafted and somewhat humorous, each interaction between the co-workers serves a purpose and further develops each character.

He perfectly captures the daily routine of lawyers.  Derek Dover, as a lawyer is good, but doesn’t take any risks and has recently acquired a difficult case from another incompetent lawyer. The case has been basically given up on by the firm, but if Dover does not win the case, he will likely lose his job. The firm makes it very difficult for him to win the case, they do not allow him to spend any more money or find new expert witnesses. Things get even more complicated with two inter-office romances between Dover and two other women. Dover has to constantly defend his position at the firm and figure out his relationships.  Maria, one of his love interests, is a fascinating character and her home life is much different than what you would expect. You will wonder how Dover will win the case and get the girl because it seems like two impossible tasks.

Schmahmann creates a very real world with this book, and the characters capture your interest and attention. This is a really good book, and the author is a very intelligent writer.  I think anyone would enjoy this book, men and women alike. It has a little bit of everything - drama, humour and romance - and is overall a great book. The best thing about this book is the characters that are relatable and very real. “Nibble & Kuhn” is a definite must-read.

Make comment on weblog